Three weeks ago, we announced the merger of our organizations — PAWS Shelter of Central Texas (now PAWS Shelter of Central Texas in partnership with Hays County Pets Alive!) and Austin Pets Alive!. We have been steadily working on plans and we thought we would keep you updated on a regular basis for a bit on how this is helping animals. This past week has been incredibly hard on the PAWS staff after the unexpected death of a beloved team member, Tristan. While we mourn that loss, we will use this week’s update to answer some questions that we have been getting surrounding our newly formed partnership.
When exactly will the Kyle Shelter open?
Answer: we are shooting for October 26th. Mara Hartsell, is leading the hiring of personnel and has already interviewed lots of great people. We feel confident that it will be close to that timeframe.
Is Hays County Pets Alive! part of the government?
Answer: No. We share a 501c3 nonprofit EIN number with Austin Pets Alive! and are 100% donor funded. We do not currently receive any tax dollars.The city and county governments in Hays are working on their own plans for animal sheltering.
What is the structure of Hays County Pets Alive!?
Answer: HCPA! is a new name that designates all the activities that will occur in Hays County. It’s meant to help distinguish for supporters how the work and support happens there as opposed to Austin. It is under Austin Pets Alive’s IRS designation but functions as its own initiative along with support, if needed, from Austin Pets Alive! Here is an organization chart overview.
What are the goals of the partnership?
Answer: Our goals are to increase the number of lives saved by double through adoptions at both facilities and to at least double the number of foster homes. In order to accomplish these two things, we must work quickly to open the Kyle location and to start welcoming fosters and adopters to both facilities. We will share a “roadmap” with you so you know how we expect this to unfold over time.
How will fosters be supported better?
Answer: We know that it has been hard for fosters to navigate two locations in such a large county (by miles). One of the first things we plan to do is hire vet techs and a part time vet to help see pets at both locations. That way, fosters can get the medical care they need much quicker. We hope that will encourage people to sign up to be first time fosters, repeat fosters and even take on a new type of animal such as an adult dog.
What do you need most?
Answer: Our biggest need is funding. We know that doesn’t just happen magically and so we want to welcome donors to our cause. We are doing really good work saving the lives of so many vulnerable cats and dogs but none of it is possible without funding. Even $5 helps. Please consider donating here.
What can we do to help if we can’t donate?
Answer: Every person in the community can do something- donate, volunteer, foster, adopt or even just spread awareness! That could look like helping us with adoption events, sharing our adoptable pets (and pets in need) on social media, finding stores to host donation boxes, helping to build a robust volunteer program at both locations and signing up to foster. Contact us here if you’d like to help!
How can we get more involved right now?
Answer: Schedule a tour with us, sign up to volunteer or foster, donate online, sign up for our newsletter, and like and share our social media.
We are so grateful to this community for the amazingly warm welcome we have received and for the support when we needed it most. Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Dr. Ellen Jefferson, Mara Hartsell and Kristen Weathers